India - Location
EXERCISES
1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.
(i) Which one of the following latitudinal extent is relevant for the extent of India’s area?
(a) 8°41'N - 35°7'N (c) 8°4'N - 35°6'N
(b) 8°4'N - 37°6'N (d) 6°45'N - 37°6'N
Ans: (c) 8°4'N - 35°6'N.
(ii) Which one of the following countries shares the longest land frontier with India?
(a) Bangladesh (c) Pakistan
(b) China (d) Myanmar
Ans: (a) Bangladesh.
(iii) Which one of the following countries is larger in area than India?
(a) China (c) France
(b) Egypt (d) Iran
Ans: (a) China.
(iv) Which one of the following longitudes is the standard meridian for India?
(a) 69°30'E (c) 75°30'E
(b) 82°30'E (d) 90°30'E
Ans: (b) 82°30'E.
2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) Does India need to have more than one standard time? If yes, why do you think so?
Ans: Vast east-west stretch creates time mismatches (Arunachal dawn vs. Gujarat dusk). Two zones could align daylight with schedules and boost economies, but logistical and cultural challenges exist. Ultimately, a balancing act between benefits and complexities.
(ii) What are the implications of India having a long coastline?
Ans: India's long coastline brings:
Booming trade: Ports like Mumbai hum with imports/exports, shaping the economy.
Fishing bounty: Ocean waters nourish a thriving fishing industry, feeding millions.
Tourism paradise: Beaches beckon, generating jobs and revenue from sunseekers.
Security concerns: Vast open water requires vigilance against piracy and threats.
Ecological treasure: Mangroves, reefs, and diverse marine life thrive, demanding protection.
India's coast is both a gift and a responsibility, shaping its economy, security, and environment.
(iii) How is the latitudinal spread of India advantageous to her?
Ans: North-south stretch unlocks a treasure trove:
*Climate variety: From tropical warmth to snow-capped peaks, diverse crops and tourism boom.
*Landforms galore: Mountains, plains, deserts, rivers – India wears many hats, enriching landscapes.
*Sun's bounty: Longer daylight in the south, natural warmth across regions, boosting agriculture.
*Biodiversity bonanza: From coral reefs to Himalayan forests, unique species find their havens.
India's latitudinal spread paints a vibrant tapestry, offering rich resources and opportunities!
(iv) While the sun rises earlier in the east, say Nagaland and also sets earlier, how do the watches at Kohima and New Delhi show the same time?
Ans: Same time zone! India uses one standard time, ignoring sunrise/sunset differences across locations. Kohima and Delhi share the same clock despite being farther east.
Project/Activity
Activity based on Appendix I (Teachers may help in the exercises by explaining
and getting it done by the students).
(i) On a graph paper, plot the number of districts in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Goa, Kerala, Haryana. Do the number of districts have some relationship with the area of the state?
(ii) Which state amongst Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Rajasthan is the most thickly populated and which one is the least densely populated?
(iii) Find out the relationship between the area of the state and the number of districts.
(iv) Identify the states with coastal boundaries.
(v) Arrange the states from west to east which have only land boundary. Activity based on Appendix II
(i) List the Union Territories which have coastal location.
(ii) How do you explain the variation in the area and population of NCT Delhi and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
(iii) On a graph paper, draw a bar diagram to show the area and population of all the Union Territories.
